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Meerkat vs Coyote

I put the telephone down from Hans, I’d not spoken with him for a while. It was a rewarding conversation – one of those times you pick up just where you left off as if it were yesterday. A sign of real friendship don’t you think?

Hans called to tell me of (amongst other things) a network he’d heard of back home in his native Chicago, it was a ladies-only group with a really great psychology. Something I can certainly relate to, see what you think …

It seems the ladies, a close knit collection of very successful business owners are meeting once per month, engaging to develop the business, support and discuss the opportunity.

‘Nothing new.’ I suggested.

Hans wanted to make a point. ANY group outside of their own circle these ladies saw as a possible visit needed to have specific criteria in place before even being considered a complementary destination to share business.

The potential network needed to demonstrate a good presence of ‘Samaritans’ – those who were natural supporters of the needy, going out of their way to help. The Group should have ‘Librarians,’ those members who were willing to deliver unconditional learning and support.

Additionally the proposed network partners should have a good sprinkling of ‘Meerkats.’ Now, the vision hardly needs description, most of us can relate to these cute beasties. Those busy creatures always supporting, constantly on the look-out, those networkers akin to Meerkats who went out of their way to cultivate the lead and referral.

Meerkats Hans? I asked.

‘I told you it was good Charlie, I thought you could relate to this.’ came the reply.

Sure, Hans was right about the importance of diversity. It’s a critical part of the referral network.

‘I asked: ‘What about the Coyote though Hans?’ Do our all-star ladies identify with the Coyote within the network?

I knew how Hans had an answer although what about the ladies?

‘Charlie, every network has it’s Coyote-types, those out for the quick deal, the easy fix. Our ladies believe that each of us should have some part of the essential ingredients enabling cultivated business … but not a trace of the hunter Coyote.

The Samaritan, Librarian, the Meerkat … a fine (if not amusing) blend of characteristics that make up the environment for success every regular network should aspire to. Take a look in the mirror …